Where do you see RPGs in the 5-10 years?

It seems like RPGs change more than any other genre, in my estimation. Back from turn-based linear adventures to open-world epc quests with a plethora of colorful NPCs to supply you with side quests, etc. How do you see RPGs evolving in the future? It seems RPGs are focused more on powering their narrative through cinematography, and dialogue. What are your thoughts? What would you like to see?

Im thinking we will start to see more and more games like Mass Effect. To me, and RPG has become all about choices.

I see the Witcher 2 as the sign of where RPGs are going. Action centered games (as opposed to being controlled by dice rolls) with a minor emphasis on stat progression (but not completely absent like ME2) and a heavy emphasis on choices.

I wouldn't have any problem with this either since it would bring choice and consequences back to the forefront of RPGs.

Final Fantasy could be awesome if square enix can get it together again.

I have no idea, but I don't think you predict it. Hopefully they'll just be fun.

Big budget RPGs? Yes.

I forsee a trend towards cinematic, action-oriented gameplay with choices.

Big-budget RPGs are branching in two directions:

1. Linear, corridor-based shooters / action games with choices

2. Open-world, expansive shooters / action games with choices

I think in the future, games like Infamous or Grand Theft Auto will be regarded as "RPGs."

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But I do believe small-scale, low-overhead dev teams (especially in the East) will retain their traditional roots for a while longer.

In the 8th gen, developers can utilize the 3DS as an overclocked Nintendo DS.

As it costs next-to-nothing to develop a game for the Nintendo DS, we'll see Eastern RPGs for a niche, hardcore audience to continue to be published.

And of course, there are lots of indie Western RPGs that retain their traditional RPG roots as well.

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But that's only looking forward into the 8th generation. 9th generation and beyond? Who knows.

The way they are going. Many games will call them self RPG but will just be action Choose your own adventure. This like pick the dialog or moral pick will be the only thing in them and the rest just low grade combat where stats, abilities and class does not matter.

im not really sure where big budget rpg's will go. the most notable rpg's are coming from bioware and bethesda and both make very different games. the one thing i can be sure of is that big budget rpg's are getting more action heavy and less dice roll dependent.

however, we are seeing smaller teams making games that are based more around the older rpg's with top down cameras, lots of dice rolls, and minimal voice acting. i think those will also grow with the rest of the independent developer scene.